96 Automatic climate control
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the 
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s 
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the car’s interior.
To select, press O button.
To cancel, press O button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated 
air to fresh air
• after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures 
below approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside temperatures 
above approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 5 minutes, if button S is pressed.
Notes:
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch 
from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically 
engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing 
the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially 
fresh air within 20 minutes.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue 
heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled 
automatically.
To select:
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or 
remove electronic key.
Press T button.
This function selection will not activate if the battery 
charge level is insufficient.
To   c a n c e l :
Press T button.
The system will automatically shut off
• If you turn electronic key in steering lock to 
position 2,
• after approx. 30 minutes,
• if the battery voltage drops. 
183 Driving insturctions
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center before the onset of winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil 
which is not approved for winter operation. For 
viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity,
see page 276.
• Check engine coolant anticorrosion/antifreeze 
concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp 
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a 
premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze 
which is formulated for below freezing 
temperatures, see page 88.
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing 
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps 
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low 
ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on 
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe 
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
antilock brake system (ABS) or electronic stability 
program (ESP) can only be achieved with M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by 
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
Block heater (for Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center. 
286
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 58
Self-test  ......................................................................... 59
Backrest ............................................................................. 48
BAS (Brake assist system)  ............................................ 188
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................207
Battery  .............................................................................236
Charge indicator lamp .............................................. 211
Recycling  ....................................................................237
Brake assist system (BAS)  ............................................ 188
Brake fluid  ......................................................................278
Capacity ...................................................................... 276
Brake pad wear indicator lamp ....................................205
Brake warning lamp  ......................................................204
CCatalytic converter  ........................................................ 163
Central locking system  ................................................... 30
Automatic central locking  ......................................... 38
Central locking switch  ............................................... 37
General notes ............................................................... 34
Locking and unlocking with remote control  .......... 31
Remote control  ..................................................... 28, 30Remote control – changing batteries  ..................... 251
Vehicle keys  .................................................................28
Changing wheels ........................................................... 230
Charge indicator lamp  ................................................... 211
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp ................ 204
Check regularly and before a long trip ...................... 202
Checking engine oil level  .............................................221
Checking engine oil level indicator  .............................. 82
Cleaning and care of the vehicle  ................................. 261
Clock  .................................................................................. 79
Combination switch  .........................................................86
Console storage compartments  ....................................127
Consumer information  ................................................. 282
Control and operation of radio transmitters .............. 153
Coolant
Adding coolant .......................................................... 224
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity  .........................281
Checking level  .......................................................... 223
Coolants  ..................................................................... 280
Low engine coolant level warning lamp  ............... 209
Temperature gauge  .....................................................78
Cruise control  ................................................................. 185
Cup holder .............................................................. 128, 264